Building a standout brand can feel like a big mountain, especially for a startup with a million things to tackle at once.
The right branding agency can make all the difference, helping you turn your ideas into something people will recognize and love.
We’ve put together a list of the top 20 branding agencies that specialize in bringing startups to life, each with a track record of creating brands that leave a mark.
20 Best Startup Branding Agency
1. Red Antler
Based in New York City, Red Antler is renowned for its unique approach to branding for early-stage companies. They work with startups across diverse industries, focusing on creating bold, memorable brand identities.
Red Antler’s team understands the challenges that startups face and crafts brand experiences that foster deep customer connections. Their client list includes popular brands like Casper, Allbirds, and Hinge, making them a preferred choice for companies looking to make a lasting impression right from the start.
2. Pentagram
Pentagram is one of the world’s most iconic design firms, with offices in major creative hubs like London, New York, and Berlin. Their team specializes in crafting sophisticated, scalable brand identities that communicate a company’s mission and values clearly and effectively.
Working with clients like Mastercard, Slack, and Harry’s, Pentagram’s designers use a mix of traditional and modern elements to create compelling visual narratives, making them ideal for startups aiming to build premium brands with longevity.
3. Landor & Fitch
Landor & Fitch is a globally recognized agency known for helping brands navigate transformation and growth. With expertise in brand identity, strategy, and experience design, they’ve worked with renowned companies such as FedEx, BP, and IKEA.
Their strategic approach and global insights are particularly beneficial for startups aiming to expand internationally. Landor & Fitch helps young companies build robust brand architectures that support their growth goals and resonate with audiences worldwide.
4. Studio MPLS
Studio MPLS is a Minneapolis-based agency that combines high-quality design with thoughtful brand strategies. They are known for clean, minimalist aesthetics, particularly in the realm of visual branding and packaging design.
With a client list that includes Amazon, Coca-Cola, and Jeni’s Ice Cream, Studio MPLS has earned a reputation for delivering design that endures. Startups looking for a visually impactful, high-end brand presence will find a strong partner in Studio MPLS.
5. Character
Located in San Francisco, Character is a branding agency that focuses on creating digital-first brand experiences. Character works with tech-forward companies to develop cohesive brand strategies and visually compelling identities, which is why they’re particularly well-suited for startups in the tech sector.
Their client portfolio includes prominent names like Oculus, Peet’s Coffee, and Nike. Character’s approach to branding goes beyond visuals, helping companies create immersive experiences that engage and retain audiences.
6. SmashBrand
SmashBrand, based in Boise, Idaho, specializes in consumer packaged goods (CPG) branding, offering a unique, data-driven approach that combines market research with creative design.
SmashBrand has collaborated with well-known brands such as Welch’s, Kraft Heinz, and Colgate, and they use consumer insights to shape brand strategies that resonate with target markets. This research-backed methodology makes SmashBrand a standout choice for startups looking to build CPG brands that directly address customer needs.
7. Siegel+Gale
Siegel+Gale is a New York-based agency that emphasizes the power of simplicity in branding. Their philosophy revolves around clear and straightforward brand messaging, making them ideal for startups aiming to communicate their value propositions concisely.
With clients including SAP, CVS Health, and the NBA, Siegel+Gale brings a high level of expertise in creating brand identities that are both memorable and accessible, perfect for startups needing a strong foundational message.
8. Huge Inc.
Huge Inc., headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, is a branding agency focused on digital experiences and brand transformation. They specialize in developing brand strategies and digital touchpoints that appeal to modern consumers.
Huge has worked with influential brands like Google, Coca-Cola, and Pfizer, making them a top choice for startups that prioritize digital presence. With a data-driven approach to branding, Huge Inc. helps companies build impactful brands in today’s online landscape.
9. Salt Branding
Salt Branding, based in San Francisco, is known for its expertise in B2B and tech branding. They’ve worked with notable clients such as LinkedIn, Adobe, and PayPal, helping companies develop brand strategies that build trust with professional audiences.
For startups in the tech and B2B sectors, Salt Branding offers the knowledge and strategic insights needed to create strong, scalable brand identities that foster credibility in competitive markets.
10. Wondersauce
Wondersauce is a New York-based agency that emphasizes the connection between digital design and brand storytelling. Their expertise in digital product design and brand marketing makes them an excellent choice for startups with tech-driven or online-first business models.
Wondersauce has partnered with brands like Google, Nike, and Diageo, showcasing their ability to create engaging, user-friendly digital experiences that resonate with today’s tech-savvy customers.
11. Mucca
Mucca, based in Brooklyn, NY, is known for its strategic and design-forward approach to branding, with a focus on storytelling. They work closely with clients to translate complex ideas into memorable, authentic brand narratives.
Mucca has collaborated with clients like WeWork and Sephora, offering startups a unique perspective that combines creativity with business insights, making them a great choice for mission-driven brands.
12. Motto
Motto, based in New York and Austin, TX, focuses on creating purpose-driven brands with a strong emotional impact. They work with startups to uncover their core values and translate them into brand strategies that resonate deeply with audiences.
Having worked with companies like Google, Virgin, and Hershey, Motto excels at building brands with a clear purpose and bold identity, ideal for startups wanting to stand out in meaningful ways.
13. Basic/Dept
Basic/Dept, headquartered in San Diego, CA, emphasizes brand innovation through digital-first strategies. They specialize in helping startups create seamless digital experiences that align with their brand values.
Basic has worked with brands like Apple, Google, and Airbnb, providing startups with sophisticated design and user-centric brand experiences that make them memorable in a competitive digital landscape.
14. Moving Brands
Moving Brands operates globally, with offices in San Francisco, Zurich, and London, and is known for its agile approach to branding. They combine strategy, design, and technology to build brands that can adapt to changing markets.
Their client roster includes names like Netflix, HP, and BBC, demonstrating their ability to create adaptable, dynamic brands that evolve with industry trends—an essential asset for fast-growing startups.
15. Interbrand
Interbrand, with offices worldwide, is a branding powerhouse known for helping companies establish long-lasting brand value. They specialize in brand strategy and design, offering insights that help startups define their positioning and competitive edge.
Interbrand’s work with clients like Samsung, Nissan, and Microsoft makes them a top choice for startups focused on long-term growth and strategic brand positioning.
16. Pearlfisher
Pearlfisher, headquartered in New York and London, is known for creating visually stunning brands, particularly in the consumer goods space. They emphasize design-led strategies that make brands iconic and desirable.
Pearlfisher has worked with clients like Cadbury, Seedlip, and KIND Snacks, making them ideal for startups in the CPG sector who want to create captivating, consumer-friendly brand experiences.
17. R/GA
R/GA, based in New York City, is a digital agency that combines branding with technology and innovation. Known for creating groundbreaking digital brand experiences, R/GA works with clients like Nike, Samsung, and Verizon.
They are ideal for tech-focused startups and brands looking to leverage digital innovation, offering an approach that blends creativity with cutting-edge technology.
18. C42D
C42D, a New York-based branding agency, focuses specifically on startups and fast-growing companies. They provide tailored branding solutions that combine market research with creative strategy, helping new companies build memorable, high-impact brands.
With clients like Smartling and Dotdash, C42D understands the needs of startups and provides hands-on guidance throughout the brand-building journey.
19. Madwell
Madwell is a Brooklyn-based creative agency known for its integrated approach to branding, combining creative design with data-driven strategy. Their team offers end-to-end branding services, including web design, advertising, and content creation.
Working with brands like Verizon, Johnson & Johnson, and WeTransfer, Madwell is an excellent partner for startups needing a comprehensive, multi-channel branding strategy.
20. Eleven
Eleven, based in San Francisco, is a full-service agency known for crafting brands that stand out in competitive markets. Their work includes brand strategy, creative campaigns, and experience design, all tailored to fit a brand’s unique voice.
Eleven has collaborated with clients like Apple, Google, and Nike, helping startups create cohesive, engaging brand experiences that resonate with audiences on a deep level.
Key Considerations for Choosing a Startup Branding Agency
Choosing the right branding agency is a strategic decision that can have long-lasting impacts on your business. Here are a few key factors to consider:
- Industry Specialization: Different agencies have different areas of expertise, so it’s crucial to select an agency familiar with your industry. This familiarity can streamline the branding process and lead to insights specific to your market.
- Agency Culture and Values: Working with an agency that aligns with your startup’s culture can make the process smoother and lead to a more authentic brand voice. Look for agencies whose values complement yours, ensuring a partnership that feels collaborative and natural.
- Budget Flexibility: Startup budgets can vary widely, and some agencies cater primarily to larger brands. However, many offer startup-friendly packages, so it’s worthwhile to explore pricing options and negotiate a plan that suits your budget.
